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Ageism: The Silent Threat to Your Health and Well-being
We live in a deeply ageist society. And often that ageist thinking can disrupt our ability to choose how we live as we age. When it does, there are consequences to our health. Read on for what we mean…
Ageism is a bigger problem than aging. That’s a bold statement right from Dr. Bill Thomas, Lifespark Independence Officer and world-renowned geriatrician’s book Aging Magnificently. A little exploration into the world of ageism and we see its effects all around us. In health care, in our families, and within ourselves. When ageism exists, we open the door for a declinist aging experience that limits someone’s ability to grow, share wisdom, do the things that matter, be fully present, and participate in life. And when we do, our health suffers.
Dr. Bill’s statement is remarkable if you really slow down and think about it. We are all aging. There’s knowledge and experience that comes with having more years of living under your belt. Instead of diminishing it, we should harness it. When we limit people simply because of age, treat them differently or dismiss their feelings or symptoms because that’s ‘normal aging,’ we are doing them, and society a disservice.
True story – for over eight decades, Mike has played hockey. He’s skated on the lake with his brothers in his early years, was captain of his high school team, taught and coached his kids then grandkids, and now is an avid member of the Rusty Blades, a 65+ team. Being a hockey player defines who he is giving him a sense of purpose. He thrives on the competition and camaraderie, relishes the stories over the years of his bravery and fight. Despite being a healthy, active older adult, as he aged, many have told him he’s crazy to ‘still be playing.’ He doesn’t (nor should he) feel he should ever stop doing what he loves and contributes that purpose to keeping his health and well-being strong.
Then at 83, he found out he had a brain tumor putting his control and purpose in jeopardy.
After aggressive surgery and a few weeks in rehab, the only thing that kept him going was his eagerness to get back on the ice. His doctors, however, had vastly different plans. Hockey in their minds was no longer something an 83-year-old brain cancer survivor should be doing. What if he fell? What if he was weak? What if he got sick? A million reasons not to but none for why he should.
By removing the one thing that gave him purpose, he was no longer motivated to work harder in rehab and heal. While they meant to help, his doctors were implicitly ageist in pushing their own biases of what their perceived notion of aging was onto Mike.
This happens more often than we think. Data from the 2020 National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 82% of older Americans reported experiencing ageism regularly. When seniors feel they no longer have purpose, their health declines. Society inadvertently contributes to this by keeping that narrative the norm.
“In order to age magnificently, we must understand aging as a process of growth and development,” explained Dr. Bill. “When we don’t, we limit people’s perceptions and that negative ageism shortens lifespan.”
Age simply means we are further along in our growth and development at 80 than we are at 40 but neither are done growing or developing. This is important. As Dr. Bill notes in his book, seniors often compare themselves to what others expect. Meaning, society has normalized that as we age, we slow down and await the impending doom of old age. We prepare ourselves for the ultimate loss of control that everyone says comes with aging. “We have been primed to perceive aging as diminishing. Instead of experiencing aging as a process of growth and development, we are told to expect a ‘hard row to hoe’ with an emphasis on diminishment and loss,” said Dr. Bill. “Conversely, positive aging stereotypes strengthened positive self-perceptions of aging, which, in turn, improved physical function.”
Is ageism making you unhealthy? It could be. Ageism and the control of choices are interconnected. Ageist beliefs are associated with higher rates of certain diseases including cardiovascular disease, memory impairment, and lower will to live. We saw that in Mike.
When we limit what we think older people are capable of, we significantly affect autonomy and control over their choice to live life on their terms. When Mike’s choice was not valued or part of the plan, he lost his motivation to get better. In his mind, he’d rather die than not do what he loved. And even if he did, that would have been his choice.
As his family saw this change – withdrawing from conversation, no interest in doing activities, barely eating – they knew something had to shift. They started with their own fear and accepted Mike’s choice to keep playing. With the help of a new doctor, they created a plan that incorporated getting him back on the ice. First, he had to get strong enough to walk without assistance. If he did that, his brothers would take him public skating. Being on skates was enough for Mike. He’s not quite ready for a game, and the reality is, he may never be, but he gets to decide that.
Why do we share this with you? Because ageism has a direct link to our health. We are giving you permission to be completely you even if others don’t agree. Whatever it is, if it brings you joy, do it. Allowing yourself to Age Magnificently without limits is the key to good health. As Dr. Bill writes in his book, the best way to overcome ageism is to ask the simple question, ‘What do you mean by old?’ Push your doctors, families, even your own thinking about how they (and you) define old and why. And as Mike did, surround yourself with the right team who will put your goals at the center.
